Have you ever spotted a bird flying erratically? It might not be disoriented—it could be intoxicated.

As the first frost hits, fruit clinging to trees sometimes ferments, creating an open bar for woodland creatures.

While it’s more common in the spring, where temperature swings can cause multiple freeze-thaw cycles, it’s also been known to happen in the fall.

Some species of waxwing birds and the American robin are the most likely to overindulge in boozy fruits, but they aren’t alone. Squirrels, deer, and bears have also been known to partake.

Some years, the problem is so widespread that authorities have had to step in.

In the Yukon, it’s most common to see wobbly Bohemian waxwings in February. In the past, officials have set up special ‘drunk tanks’ where inebriated birds can sober up safely. In 2015, an official told the CBC that the tanks were modified hamster cages. Once the birds recover, they’re released back into the wild.

But it isn’t all fun and games. Intoxicated animals are likelier to crash into obstacles, like windows and buildings. It also makes them more susceptible to predators, and they’ve been known to fall from trees in a stupor, which can cause injury or worse.

If you have a lot of fruit trees on your property, you can help birds by placing decals on your windows, and if you spot a bird that appears intoxicated, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

Header image: File photo via Canva Pro.